Energy Overview

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Overview

In 2011, Governor Gary R. Herbert demonstrated national leadership in creating a 10-year Strategic Energy Plan. As the first document of its kind in the U.S., the plan combines Utah’s rich abundance of diverse natural resources with the state’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to ensure that Utah is on the forefront of solving the world’s energy challenges.

Located in the heart of the Western Energy Corridor, Utah is home to a vast array of diverse energy and mineral resources. The State recognizes the value of developing opportunities across all resources including traditional and unconventional fossil fuels, renewable resources, energy efficiency and conservation.

For many years, Gov. Herbert has provided leadership among states, key constituencies, and coalitions to promote the streamlined access to, and utilization of, a diverse energy mix. Utah has long remained committed to creating a resilient, affordable and sustainable energy portfolio. Its rich history of responsible development in oil, natural gas, and coal has provided a foundation for the integration of other resources and technologies in powering the state’s high quality of life, and nationally lauded economy.

Utah Energy Facts and Statistics

At 8.16 cents per kilowatt-hour, Utah has one of the most affordable electricity rates in the U.S.

Utah is the 3rd largest producer of geothermal energy in the U.S.

Utah ranks 10th in the U.S. for natural gas production, 11th for oil and 14th for coal

With 3.15 trillion barrels, the greatest-known reserves of oil shale in the world are found in the Green River Formation

Utah’s solar energy boom has expanded from 0 megawatts of utility-scale solar in 2014 to an estimated 850 by 2016

Utah is home to Rio Tinto Kennecott, the second largest producer of copper in the U.S.

Utah remains the only state in the U.S. to produce magnesium, beryllium, potash (as potassium sulfate), and gilsonite

Utah’s Energy Economy

Currently, energy is a $20.9 billion industry in Utah, generating $673 million in state and local revenues(including $67 million directly for education through the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration in 2013). There are more than 18,000 direct energy jobs in the state, a total that expands to almost 40,000 when indirect and induced employment is included.

Utah Energy Production and Consumption

98.2 percent of the energy produced in Utah is derived from oil, natural gas, and coal, but renewable energy resources are quickly expanding with an expected 850 megawatts of solar energy coming online by the end of 2016. With a significant ramp up in utility-scale solar development, renewable energy could account for roughly 10-12 percent of Utah’s energy mix by 2017.

Utah Energy Exports

In 2015, Utah produced 18 percent more energy than it consumed in 2015, continuing its status as a net-energy exporter. This percentage is usually closer to 30 percent, but production of fossil fuels was significantly down in 2015. The majority of the excess energy was in the form of exported natural gas. Utah also exports significant amounts of electricity, produced from both fossil fuels and renewable sources.

Utah’s Energy and Minerals Landscape 4th Edition

Published in the Spring of 2016, Utah’s Energy and Minerals Landscape 4th Edition provides a complete, visually-based description of Utah’s diverse energy portfolio. The graphs within the publication were created using data compiled by the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) from several sources, including the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Governor’s Office of Energy Development (OED), the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (DOGM), the Utah State Tax Commission, as well as surveys and conversations with individuals and companies.

OED Mission

To advance Utah’s diverse energy sector through planning, policy, and direct engagement with the private sector; and thereby to foster economic growth through energy development and conservation activities and through the provision of affordable, reliable energy.